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Chapter 243
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 244
A cold smirk played at the corners of Brian's lips.He had clearly seen a woman who looked just like Ariana appear on this floor. He refused to believe she could vanish into thin air.Just as he stepped closer to the table, Emily rushed over looking anxious. "Mr. Lodge, Madam Mackle is here!"Brian stopped in his tracks.William said casually, "Mr. Lodge, people say we don't get along, but we're both well-known in Gleaston. If you want to cause trouble for me, at least use a better excuse. Accusing me of secretly dating your ex-fiancée is such a tired cliché."Brian's frown deepened. Emily quickly added, "Mr. Lodge, Madam Mackle is waiting. Also, causing a scene with Mr. Kingsman here at the Evergreen Hotel might not be a good idea. Maybe we should..."Staring down William, Brian saw the mocking gleam in his eyes. Brian's expression turned even colder. "Let's go.""Yes, sir."Elise had hoped to say a polite goodbye to William, but Brian spun around and strode off. She had no ch
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 245
"I must have mistaken someone else for her," Brian explained. "You two have called off the engagement, so it's none of your business what she does or whom she meets. Must I explain that to you?" Belinda said."Yes, Grandma," Brian answered politely, but it was clear he hadn't taken it to heart.He excused himself, and Emily quickly followed behind.Brian's face darkened. "Call home. Have Martha check if Ariana's really there.""Mr. Lodge, Ms. Torrey's injuries are so bad. Can she even wander around like that? Maybe you truly mixed her up with someone else.""Call! I want to know exactly where she is.""Yes, Mr. Lodge."Emily dialed Martha, who answered promptly. "Ms. Weston? Why are you calling me?""Is Ms. Torrey at home right now?""Yes, she is. She told me she had too much lunch and felt ill, so she went to bed."Hearing this, Brian took the phone. "When did she say she was going to sleep?""Around noon, I think. She told us not to disturb her.""Go check if she's actu
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Smack!A crisp slap landed on Brian's cheek, leaving it flushed red.Ariana jerked the blanket back around her. "Brian! Why are you barging in and pulling off my blanket?"Emily, alarmed by the commotion, rushed in. "Mr. Lodge!""Get out!" Brian roared.Emily retreated at once, shutting the door behind her."Why are you sleeping naked in the middle of the day?""Because I like sleeping in the nude, obviously!""You..."Brian realized he had no good argument. His expression darkened.Seeing him flustered, Ariana went on, "Oh, so that's why you won't let me move out. You were planning to take advantage of me!""Take advantage of you?" Brian scoffed, as if hearing the most ridiculous thing. "What could I possibly want from you?"Yet, even as he said it, he felt a bit uneasy. She really did have a good figure, and her face was actually pretty.Ariana rarely wore makeup, but if she did, she could easily be one of the most stunning women in Gleaston."In any case, you invaded m
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 247
"Fine! You said it yourself. Who needs your affection, anyway?"Brian turned to leave, but frustration gnawed at him. He looked back at Ariana and said icily, "There are plenty of women in Gleaston who want to marry me. It's not like I can't live without you, Ariana.""I already knew that long ago. There's no need to tell me every single time."Ariana rolled her eyes in her head. He acted as though the whole world revolved around him.Seeing how indifferent she was, Brian's frustration only grew. Finally, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door.Outside, Emily had been waiting nervously, worried the two of them might come to blows."Mr. Lodge, about Ms. Quinlan...""Grandma likes Elise, right? Then let's choose her," Brian said coldly.Emily looked up at him in disbelief. "Choose Ms. Quinlan? But what about Ms. Granger?"If Evelyn found out he'd gotten engaged to someone else so soon, she surely wouldn't take it well."Why so many questions? Do as I say," Brian said imp
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 248
By sheer coincidence, William acquired that suburban lot. It was worthless at first, but then they discovered the hot spring, and its value soared.Now, he had even recruited someone capable from overseas."Find out everything about Susan Smith. If the price is right, I don't believe there's anyone Lodge Co. can't poach.""Yes, Mr. Lodge."Emily was about to leave when she added, "Mr. Lodge, we located a suitable apartment near Glea College. Shall we move Ms. Torrey there now?"Brian recalled what Ariana had said to him earlier."She keeps saying we're not engaged anymore and have nothing to do with me. Fine, take her away.""Take her away? But, Mr. Lodge, you..."This morning, he had been saying something completely different. And to keep Ariana here, he had even agreed to the blind date.Emily swallowed the rest of her words. Brian had always been calm and composed before, but ever since falling out with Ariana, his mood had been all over the place."Take her away. Just see
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"She was happily packing her own things?"Brian nearly laughed at his own stupidity. Was she really in such a hurry to leave the Lodge residence?"Mr. Lodge, are you alright?" Martha asked, unsettled by his dark expression.Brian's mood had been all over the place lately."I'm fine!" he snapped. "If she likes packing, let her pack. She can carry it all down herself! Don't help her!"With that, Brian stalked away.Martha looked puzzled. Was he angry with Ariana or with himself?Ariana carefully tucked the contract documents into the bottom of her suitcase and stood it upright.A knock sounded at the door, followed by Martha's voice. "Ms. Torrey?""Come in."Ariana finished packing her suitcase. Seeing Martha hesitating by the door, she said, "Perfect timing. My leg's injured, so I can't carry this. Could you please help me take my suitcase downstairs, Martha?""Well..." Martha said awkwardly, "Mr. Lodge instructed that you bring it down yourself. He doesn't want us to help."
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Brian had chosen a quiet apartment near Glea College for Ariana.The driver helped Ariana carry her things upstairs and then left.The apartment was a small two-bedroom unit. For one person, it was just barely enough.Ariana glanced around at the layout and size of the apartment and couldn't help but sigh."Brian's a CEO, yet he's so stingy," she thought.After setting everything up, Ariana lay down on the bed. Even small movements made her injuries hurt. Her arm and leg were badly injured. The doctor had told her to rest for a month before starting rehab.She looked at the calendar on her phone. There were only ten days until the exams.In her past life, Ariana had solid high-school grades, which got her into Glea College. But after meeting Brian, she'd neglected her studies to please him, missing a lot of courses.Later, she picked up some management skills at Lodge Co., but that wouldn't directly help her pass her university exams.Ariana felt a headache coming on. She regr
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 251
Hearing Selena's words, Ariana started examining the test paper in front of her more carefully.Sure enough, it was the doctoral finance exam paper. The title was right there, and she had only just noticed it now.Worst of all, she had already spent seven days working on these questions."Doctoral exam questions... No wonder I found it so difficult.""Difficult? You didn't attend any classes at all this year, yet you managed to answer this much? Ari, how did you pull that off?"Ariana really had not been writing at random. In her previous life, she spent three years at Lodge Co., helping Brian handle company matters. She had a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of finance.After gaining three years of practical experience, working through these questions was actually much easier for her. It felt like a lower-level challenge.Looking at her nearly filled answer sheet, Ariana smiled. "I've got this."Meanwhile, Elise arrived at Lodge Co. She wore a beige designer short sk
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A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 404
The guests present all took in the scene before them. It was well known that Brian had always despised Ariana, but this time, he appeared visibly anxious about her in front of everyone.Ariana seemed unsurprised by the reactions of the guests around them. She withdrew her hand and said, "Thank you for your help, Mr. Lodge."Brian quickly realized that Ariana had just used him.Due to Lodge Co.'s stance toward Torrey Co., many had assumed that there was tension between the Lodges and Torreys. As a result, few corporate partners had been willing to initiate business dealings with the Torreys.Now that they have seen Brian and Ariana on better terms, many would likely approach the Torrey family."Ariana, did you just exploit me?" Brian had never realized just how cunning Ariana could be. He had always assumed she was clueless, but it was clear that he was the foolish one now."Didn't you say it yourself, Mr. Lodge? Mutual exploitation isn't a bad thing for either of us." Ariana shru
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Ariana didn't refuse. After all, spending more time with Brian in public would be beneficial for the Torrey family."Mr. Lodge, I never expected that just one word from Mrs. Lodge Senior would be enough for you to put your pride aside and come see me," Ariana remarked.Her words dripped with mockery, and there were even some traces of disdain toward Brian. It was the same attitude that he'd used to have toward her.Alas, their roles were reversed."Ariana, do you really think it's a good thing that Grandma has taken an interest in you?" Brian asked.Belinda's intentions were clear to anyone with a sharp eye, and Brian knew that Ariana could tell as well.His eyes roamed over Ariana. Tonight, she was meticulously and elegantly styled in a long, gold-embellished gown. She was the very image of grandeur.When he looked at Ariana from the side, he frowned. Her appearance at the moment overlapped with the image of Susan in his mind.Suddenly, Brian halted in his tracks and firmly
A Bride’s Revenge: No Longer the Backup Chapter 402
Hushed whispers filled the surrounding area. Everyone wanted to know why Ariana had been invited to the Lodge family's gala.Inside the Royal Hotel, Emily knocked on the door of the second-floor break room. "Mr. Lodge, all the guests have arrived. We should head down now.""Got it," Brian replied and rubbed the bridge of his nose. The moment he closed his eyes, he could hear Ariana's words from the day before echoing in his mind.If it weren't for Belinda's insistence on hosting this gala, he wouldn't have wanted to see Ariana at all.…Meanwhile, downstairs in the banquet hall, all eyes were on Ariana the moment she appeared.It wasn't because of how extravagantly she was dressed, but rather the fact that she was now the sole heir of the Torrey family. Whoever married Ariana would stand to inherit everything she owned.If anything were to happen to Ariana, all of the Torrey family's assets would go to her husband, so every man in attendance had their eyes locked on her."Arian
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Brian knew exactly what Belinda's words meant. In the past, his engagement with Ariana had been purely due to her suitable family background. But now, marrying her would mean gaining control over the entire Torrey family. At that moment, the things that Ariana said to him earlier today played back in his mind. His sense of pride flared once again. "Grandma, you don't need to concern yourself with this matter. We have already annulled our engagement, and there is no way I'll propose to her again." With that, he turned around and headed upstairs. Belinda was well aware of Brian's character. Her expression darkened. Since he was unwilling to let go of his pride, then she would make the necessary arrangements for him.The next day, the news of Gwen's imprisonment and Igor's expulsion from the Torrey family spread like wildfire within the high society. As the sole heir of the family, Ariana successfully assumed full control of the Torrey family. As the turmoil at school also began
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"Ms. Piper, please follow me.""No! Mr. Lodge, I know you're a kind man. For old time's sake, please save Aunt Gwen!""I believe I already told you not to show up at my home again."Brian's eyes were cold. A single glance was enough to send a chill down Fiona's spine.Evelyn had already spoken to him a few days ago, informing him about the rumors circulating at school about him and Fiona. He was no stranger to the games women played, but he was simply too lazy to deal with it. After all, Fiona had nothing to do with him. Anyone in the right mind would recognize the vast gap in their social standing, and there was no chance they would be together. Those rumors were merely stories that Fiona had fabricated. He absolutely despised scheming women like her. Fiona still didn't know that Brian was already aware of her deeds. She cried, "But Aunt Gwen's imprisonment is also related to the Torrey family. Are you really not going to do anything about it?"Ms. Weston, what did I say earl
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"Then let me make it clear to you, you aren't the heir of the Torrey family, and you aren't my father's son. From a legal standpoint, you and your mother have nothing to do with our family. You'd better accept the fact, Mr. Igor."Ariana's voice was full of mockery. In her past life, she had foolishly handed over the company Carson left behind to Gwen and Igor. But in the end, the company went bankrupt in less than three years. Worse yet, Gwen had even fled with Igor and John.This time, she swore she would never give Gwen and Igor the slightest chance to entangle themselves with Torrey Co. "Take him away." Ariana's voice was cold.The bodyguard swiftly grabbed Igor and dragged him toward the front gate. Still wearing his slippers, Igor was ruthlessly dragged out of the Torrey residence, unable to resist."Pack up all of Igor and Gwen's things and toss them out.""Yes, Ms. Torrey."To prevent Igor from making a fuss, Ariana deliberately stationed him at the security post by the e
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It was already evening, and Igor had been waiting at home for Arian's call, but it never came. It wasn't until he saw a car from Torrey Co. pull up outside the gate that he immediately rushed out. The moment he saw Ariana get out of the car, he immediately snapped, "Why didn't you answer my call? Do you even know what has happened at home? Hurry up and come with me to the police station to bail my mom out!" Igor spoke in a commanding tone as he grabbed Ariana's hand and dragged her in the direction of the police station. But to his surprise, she pushed him away. Caught off guard by her move, Igor stared at her in disbelief. He sneered, "Ariana! Have you lost your mind? How dare you push me?" Igor had always had his way and never expected that Ariana would dare push him away.Just as he was about to grab Ariana again, Miranda stepped forward. With a simple move, she easily restrained Igor, rendering him unable to resist. "Ms. Ziegler! Have you lost your mind too? How dare you
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Looking over the money and goods in his possession, Jeremy nodded in satisfaction. He left the Torrey residence with his group of lackeys.Gwen's legs finally gave out and she collapsed onto the floor. She had only borrowed money from the loan sharks just once. She couldn't believe that it would lead her to become completely penniless.Meanwhile, Ariana, who was still at the office, received a call from Jeremy."Ms. Torrey, it has been done. All that's left is to wait for the goods to be exchanged into cash.""I understand. Thank you for your hard work.""You're welcome. We were just following Mr. Smith's orders."Ariana smiled lightly. It was indeed all thanks to Victor's efforts. Without Victor's help, she wouldn't have been able to reclaim all of Gwen's and Igor's wealth and assets so easily. This was the wealth and assets that rightfully belonged to her father.Ariana lifted her head to look at Miranda after she disconnected the call. "It's done. Start the next phase," she s
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"Ms. Lambert, this is all so sudden. Did something happen?" Ariana asked.No matter how terrible the circumstance she was in, Gwen would never tell Ariana that she had borrowed money from loan sharks. It was part of the Torreys' principles to never come into contact with them.If word about this got out, Gwen would never be able to live it down. Ariana might even use it against her to kick her out of the family.Ariana knew from the beginning that Gwen would never come clean to her about the loan sharks. She just smiled and said, "I'll send a contract to you. Once you put your signature on it, the contract will immediately go into effect. I'll have someone in the finance department transfer the money to you. "However, Ms. Lambert, please be informed this also means that you and Igor will give up the right to all of the inheritance my father left behind."Being face to face with the terrifying loan sharks, Gwen couldn't even spare a moment to think about the consequences of signin
